Thor, aged 27, who plays The Mountain in TV sci-fi fantasy blockbuster Game of Thrones, has filmed a taunting video message ahead of the show, which looks set to sell out, saying: "England, I hope you are ready to get beaten by the vikings for the second time.

"I am Europe's strongest man. See you in a few days."

But out to stop Thor - third in the World's Strongest Man competition last year - is England's own superman Eddie 'The Beast' Hall, Britain's strongest man, who is also hoping to deadlift a new world half a ton, or 500kg (1,102lbs).

He is the existing world record holder, already deadlifting a knee crunching 463 kgs (1,021 lb), or almost 73 stones.

Eddie, aged 28, at 6ft 3ins and 29 stones, has been chomping through 10,000 calories a day to get bigger than ever. Eddie, from Stoke on Trent, said: "We've been talking about lifting 500kg for a while now - that's half a ton - and I think this is the day it's going to be done, in Leeds."

Iceland Strongman and Games of Throne star Thor

They face giant-sized competition with an extraordinary line-up of strongmen taking part - many of them now household names following the popularity of the World's Strongest Man competitions, now a Christmas and New Year TV highlight for millions.

Among those heading to Leeds this weekend is the legendary Zydrunas 'Big Z' Savickas, of Lithuania, who has won the World's Strongest Man title four times.

Iceland's Benni Magnusson, now living in Yorkshire, is also also taking part. along with Poland's strongest man Krzysztof Radzikowski. Britain's former strongest men, Terry Hollands, Mark Felix and Laurence Shahlaie. Leeds' own Andy Bolton, a former deadlift record holder, are also after Eddie's crown.

The World Deadlift Championships will be the opening event of the show, which allows the greatest weight-lifters, from not just strongman but power-lifting and weightlifting, to show off their prowess.

Team Iceland star Thor heading for Leeds Arena

It is the flagship event in the Giants Live World Tour and will be filmed as part of the Christmas special for Channel FIVE and world-wide TV

* Tickets now limited - buy in person at the venue, call the Box Office on 0844 2481585 or visit www.firstdirectarena.com

Britain's strongest man Eddie Hall out to stop Thor and deadlift half a ton world record

Thor is planning to retain his title as Europe's Strongest Man

Eddie Hall leading Britain's strongmen at First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday, July 9.